When Students Beg for Help, Why Did Schools Say No?
I wanted to clear the air about my stance on teachers and why I’m so passionate about changing how schools approach mental health. It’s not about blaming—it’s about doing better for our kids. If this resonates with you, let’s connect and work toward making a change.
So Grief, Anger and Empathy Walk Into a Bar...
So Grief, Anger, and Empathy Walked Into a Bar…" explores the complex, often contradictory emotions that arise after loss. It delves into how grief can pull you down, anger can drive you forward, and empathy can heal. This story shows how embracing these feelings can turn pain into purpose, and how vulnerability can be the start of a journey towards making a real difference. It’s a raw look at the surprising allies that shape the path from heartache to hope. #GriefJourney #EmpathyMatters #TurningPainIntoPurpose
How Children Navigate the Sudden Loss of a Sibling
Navigating the sudden loss of a sibling is a heartbreaking and complex journey for children. This blog explores how kids process such overwhelming grief, often in ways that aren't visible to adults. By acknowledging their unique emotional needs and providing compassionate support, we can help children heal and honour their sibling’s memory. Learn how to be there when words aren’t enough.
Silent Treatment From Your Teen? Here’s How To Get Them To Open Up
When your teen shuts down, it’s agonizing as a parent. I’ve been there with my daughter Maddie. What helped us reconnect wasn’t forcing conversations but being patient and compassionate. We shared laughs, but we also shared moments of sadness. Sometimes, just showing up without judgment makes all the difference.
From Grief to Growth: A Journey of Healing
In this heartfelt and introspective piece, the author shares their ongoing journey of grief and resilience after the tragic loss of their daughter, Madeline. With honesty and vulnerability, they express the complexity of emotions and the lasting impact of memories. The author explores the support received from friends, family, and strangers, highlighting the power of social media in raising awareness about mental illness. They also emphasize the importance of seeking help and breaking down barriers in accessing mental health resources. Through their writing, the author pays tribute to Madeline's enduring legacy and finds solace in turning pain into purpose.
Do You Have These 6 Essential Parenting Skills For The Teenage Years?
Supporting a teen with depression can feel like navigating a storm without a compass. Through my journey with Maddie, I’ve learned six essential skills every parent needs: listening, celebrating progress, practicing patience, being self-aware, showing resilience, and advocating for your child. These tools aren’t just for crisis moments—they’ll help you become a better, more compassionate parent every day.
A Lighthouse in the Storm: Empowering Parents to Find Their Way Through Teen Struggles
Navigating the mental health journey with a struggling teen can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Sharing our stories is vital for connecting and supporting one another as parents. By opening up about our experiences, we can help each other face the challenges of raising teens who may be struggling. Together, we can foster a sense of community and understanding, reminding ourselves that we don’t have to go through this alone.
I Still Have Dark Days, But Now They Empower Me
Twelve years ago, I shared my mental health journey for the first time, and I was overwhelmed by the support that followed. What started as a nervous step into the unknown became a mission to keep speaking up, even as life tested me in ways I never could have imagined. Some may tire of the topic, but as long as the messages keep coming, I’ll keep sharing. We all have a story worth telling, and I hope mine encourages others to share theirs too. #MentalHealth #Growth #Resilience #KeepGoing #Support
Raising a Child with Depression: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Parenting a teen with depression can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be done alone. From learning to listen without trying to fix everything, to celebrating small wins, these insights provide practical ways to support your child while taking care of yourself. Let’s work together to help our kids thrive.
#MentalHealth #ParentingSupport
How My Viral Post Made My Mental Health Plummet
I shared a deeply personal post about my daughter on World Suicide Awareness Day, and it went viral. At first, the response felt amazing, but soon I found myself overwhelmed—caught in an emotional whirlwind I didn’t see coming. Going viral taught me a hard truth: even positive attention can take a toll on our mental health. Sometimes, protecting our peace means stepping back.
Twenty-Two Missed Calls: The Moment I Knew My Worst Fear Had Come True
This is the opening chapter of my book, Wake Up, You Could Lose Your Teen to Suicide. Writing it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Reliving those moments brought a flood of vivid memories and the searing pain of the night we lost my 14-year-old daughter, Maddie, to suicide.
On the night of April 10, 2015, I was jolted awake by an urgent voice and a series of missed calls, leading to the devastating truth: Maddie was gone. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, a moment that shattered my world. But from this unimaginable tragedy came a commitment—a mission to change how we approach mental health.
My goal is to ensure no family has to experience the same unbearable pain we did that night. Through better awareness, support, and prevention, I want to make sure that parents, children, and communities are equipped to handle the challenges of mental health in ways we weren’t. This book is my way of turning that grief into action, and my hope is that it will help save lives.
If I Could Tell My 30-Year-Old Self One Thing About Mental Health….
Most would say I’ve faced my fair share of adversity. This isn’t a pity party, but a reflection on what I wish my 30-year-old self knew about mental health. Life has thrown some brutal waves my way, but resilience isn’t found in avoiding the hits—it’s in getting back up. Here’s what I’d tell myself.
Maddie’s Legacy: Turning Pain into Purpose
"Losing Maddie to suicide was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. But over time, I’ve realized her story doesn’t end there. Her life, as short as it was, still has the power to make a difference. By sharing her story, I’ve seen families start conversations about mental health they had been avoiding, and even seen people find the courage to ask for help. That’s Maddie’s legacy—her light still shines.
We all have a role to play. By checking in on each other, listening without judgment, and talking openly about mental health, we can make a real difference. It’s in those small actions that we can create a world where no one feels alone.
Maddie’s legacy is bigger than me—it’s for everyone who’s been touched by her story. Together, we can keep her light going.
#MaddiesLegacy #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone"
The Best Therapist Book, Few Therapists Have Read
Have you ever felt like your goals are always just out of reach, leaving you frustrated and discouraged? 'The Gap and the Gain' by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy completely changed my perspective on progress. Instead of chasing an elusive ideal, I've learned to appreciate how far I've come. This simple shift has not only transformed my life but also the lives of those I coach. Ready for a game-changer?"
Why It's Natural to Feel Sad When Your Child Heads to University
As your child heads off to university, it's natural to feel a mix of pride, sadness, and loneliness. This transition can leave your home feeling emptier and your heart a bit lost, but these emotions are normal. Embrace the feelings, stay connected with your child, and focus on self-care. While the change is bittersweet, it's also an opportunity for growth, both for you and your child. You're not alone in this journey.
The Hidden Face of Depression: What I've Learned on My Healing Journey
A personal account of managing depression, highlighting 10 key triggers including lack of exercise, isolation, poor sleep, and financial stress. The author shares insights from their 15-year journey, emphasizing the importance of human connection, routine, and proper medication management. The post encourages open dialogue about mental health, urging readers to seek help and reminding them that it's okay to struggle, but important to take action towards healing.
How Can It Be So Dark Even on the Sunniest Days?
Overcoming depression and finding happiness: Learn valuable insights from my personal journey. Discover practical tips for self-help, gratitude, passion, exercise, seeking support, and setting goals. Embrace positivity and live one day at a time. Find hope and inspiration in this transformative story. #DepressionRecovery #FindingHappiness #SelfHelpTips
Emotional Intelligence in Parenting: Fostering Healthy Connections with Your Child
Understanding and supporting your child's emotional well-being can be challenging, especially when they choose silence over sharing their struggles. This article explores the importance of recognizing when children suppress their emotions due to significant life changes and the need to encourage them to express themselves through various outlets. It emphasizes the value of actively listening to children, providing emotional support, and cultivating trust to create an environment where they feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. Parents can foster open, honest, and trusting relationships with their children, even when discussing complex matters.
From Suppression to Liberation: Breaking Free from Childhood's Emotional Chains
Haunted by childhood memories? We all carry moments that still make us cringe. As parents, are we repeating history by suppressing our kids' feelings? Let's break free from the past. I'd go back and tell my younger self: emotions are strength, not weakness. Mourning loss is vital; parents need tools to navigate their children's emotions. With the Hopeful Horizons Fund, we open doors to healing and empathy. Let's shape a brighter future for our loved ones by embracing emotions and creating lasting connections.
Wake Up Parents: Navigating Teen Mental Illness and Protecting Our Children
A heartfelt attempt to share lessons learned from a personal tragedy, encouraging parents to be more engaged and proactive in addressing teen mental health issues. The cancellation of the speaking engagement highlights the need for awareness and action. Let's wake up, parents; it could happen to us. #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingAwareness #PreventionMatters #BeProactive #ChildrensWellBeing